Liverpool are interested in signing Nicolo Barella, but will have to pay more than £52m to sign him.
Barella’s name has gathered some momentum so far this summer, as Liverpool ponder making an offer. Today, the latest report of interest comes from The Times.
They claim that the Reds are indeed ‘admirers’ of the Italian, citing Pep Lijnders mention of Barella in his book last year as proof of that.
However, that doesn’t mean a deal will be easy to do. The 26-year-old reportedly ‘isn’t desperate’ to leave Inter Milan and would command a big fee.
It’s claimed that Newcastle United’s imminent signing of AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali could have a bearing on Barella’s potential price. If Inter were to sell Barella, they would reportedly expect Liverpool to pay a bigger price than the initial £52m the Magpies are paying their city neighbours for Tonali.
Barella links continue
On the one hand, it’s positive to hear more reliable links to a player who would be a world-class addition for Liverpool.
It does feel like an incredibly difficult deal to do, but the interest is clearly there. For it to still be so as we head into July means there remains a small chance that the Reds could yet get their man.
For now though, the smart money should still be on Barella staying at Inter beyond this summer.
Should Liverpool’s interest be serious though, they shouldn’t be surprised to learn of the potential price-tag. Barella is a far more established player than Tonali and is now in his prime.
It’s completely fair and understandable that Inter would demand more to let a player like him go.
Quite what would be an acceptable price for them is hard to gauge. Although the fact that Declan Rice is about to move for more than £100m probably doesn’t help Liverpool’s cause.
So, generally, we’d remain sceptical of the chances of the Reds pulling this off. But as long as the links remain there, and no one else is brought in, we’ll hold onto a slither of hope.
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